Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,220. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and potentially lower demand contribute to this pay differential. The specific economic landscape of nonmetropolitan areas often influences compensation levels for roles like institutional and cafeteria cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,150.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 750 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.02 signifies a concentration of these roles that is more than double the national average, suggesting a strong and consistent demand for these culinary professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-10.3%below the national average.
$16.5
$658
$2,852
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, would reflect an evolving labor market and a sustained need for these essential food service positions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not detailed here, would reflect this career ladder, with higher percentiles representing more experienced and highly compensated individuals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,665 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,950 | $15.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,775 | $20.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,150 | $20.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,220 in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area aligns directly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively at par with the national standard, indicating a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
5.877
Per 1K Jobs
2.02
Location Quotient
Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 2.0x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.02, the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market where employers may have a steady pool of talent, and job seekers can find numerous opportunities within this specialized culinary field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,190↑ 12% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,460↑ 7% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,570↑ 16% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,850↑ 5% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $36,290↑ 6% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $34,220. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $42,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 10.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is below the national benchmark. The high concentration of these roles indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($38,190) and Decatur, IL.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 750 suggests a substantial existing base of cooks, indicating a mature market. While this means opportunities exist, it could also imply a competitive environment for new entrants.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.02 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 2.02 means that cooks are employed in this region at more than twice the rate found nationally. This signifies a strong regional specialization and potentially higher demand relative to other professions.
How does the cost of living affect the cook's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $34,220 salary has the same purchasing power as a national average salary in a national average cost of living area. This means the lower nominal wage is offset by the average cost of living.
Are there many job openings for cooks in this area?
The high Location Quotient suggests a strong presence of cook positions relative to the national average, indicating a good number of available roles within the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.877 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area